In Memory

FR. DOUGLAS J. MACKINNON, S.F.M.
1931-2002

January/February 2003

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Fr. Douglas J. MacKinnon died in the early morning of September 20 at St. Martha's hospital in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. In recent years Fr. Doug had experienced serious health problems. A few years ago he underwent back surgery and most recently had battled cancer. He also suffered with emphysema and it was extreme difficulty with his breathing, along with a blood clot in his lung, that led to his sudden and unexpected death.

Fr. Doug was born in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, one of 11 children of Douglas and Clara MacKinnon. He was educated in Glace Bay and at a young age entered the Redemptorists minor seminary in Brockville, Ontario. He continued studies for the priesthood at St. Augustine's Seminary in Scarborough, Ontario, and was ordained as a Scarboro missionary in 1960 by Bishop William Power, newly consecrated bishop of the diocese of Antigonish.

Fr. Doug was one of the original Scarboro group to Brazil, serving the prelacy of Itacoatiara for 33 years. He helped to build up a Church according to the teaching of Vatican Council II, in which the local people shared with priests and bishop in setting directions and goals for the local church and saw themselves as pilgrims together on a faith journey.

In 1995 Fr. Doug began serving his home diocese of Antigonish. The last 14 months of his life were spent as chaplain for the Sisters of St. Martha at their motherhouse in Antigonish. The Sisters spoke of him with fondness, saying they appreciated his willingness to help and his meaningful homilies.

Scarboro's Superior General Fr. Jack Lynch and Frs. Gerald Curry, Ron Pete, and Pat Kelly concelebrated the Funeral Mass of the Resurrection at St. Anthony's Parish in Glace Bay. Fr. Ron MacDonell, a co-worker of Fr. Doug's in Brazil, gave the homily in which he highlighted Fr. Doug's faithful service to his fellow missionaries and to the Church. Bishop Colin Campbell led the rite of commendation and Fr. Peter LeBlanc, pastor of St. Anthony's, led the wake service the previous evening and the prayers at the gravesite. Fr. Doug was buried in the St. Anthony's Parish cemetery where Scarboro priest Fr. Bill Cox is also buried.

May he rest in peace.

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